Is Wawayanda Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Wawayanda Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Wawayanda Campground before I book?

Yes! Wawayanda Campground has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Wawayanda Campground?

Wawayanda Campground is open April 1 - October 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Wawayanda Campground?

Yes, Wawayanda Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Wawayanda Campground have?

Wawayanda Campground has 4 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Wawayanda Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Wawayanda Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Wawayanda Campground?

Wawayanda Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Wawayanda Campground?

Popular activities at Wawayanda Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Wawayanda Campground

4.53

32 reviews

Top 20% in NJSummer

Great HikingSwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

1,161 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

4 campsites

Season

April 1 - October 31

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Showers

Check Availability

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,161 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

4 campsites

Season

April 1 - October 31

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Showers

Check Availability

Get Directions

Wawayanda Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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New Jersey State Parks

Provider

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Wawayanda Campground

41.1881, -74.4258

Weather at Wawayanda Campground

Best Time to Camp at Wawayanda Campground

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 20% in NJ

Open Apr–Oct with swimming beach, boating and full trail access—summer is peak season.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: April 1 - October 31

About Wawayanda Campground

Wawayanda State Park is a 34,350-acre park straddling Sussex and Passaic counties in the New Jersey Highlands, centered on Wawayanda Lake with a swimming beach and boat launch. The park has 60+ miles of trails, including ~20 miles of the Appalachian Trail along the Kittatinny ridge. Camping is limited to four group campsites near the lake, each with picnic tables, fire rings, and a composting restroom; there are no individual tent/trailer sites or cabins. Group sites require a 7-person minimum; water must be carried from the main office, and there are no showers.

Natural Features and SceneryWawayanda State Park Campground sits within a **34,000+ acre forested state park** characterized by **glacially‑sculpted Highlands terrain**, mixed hardwood forests, and numerous lakes and wetlands.[1][5][6] The park’s focal natural feature is **Wawayanda Lake**, a **255‑acre, clear, spring‑fed lake** with a long, sandy beach, coves, and forested shores that create a classic Northeastern lake setting.[5][7] Surrounding the lake are **rolling hills and ridgelines**, including **Wawayanda Mountain**, whose summit areas provide **wide views over the New Jersey–New York Highlands** and surrounding forests.[8][9] The area is part of the **Northeastern coastal forests ecoregion**, supporting mature **oak, maple, hemlock, and other mixed hardwood stands**, plus wetlands that host ferns, mosses, and diverse bird life.[6] Glacial outcrops—smooth on one side and fractured on the downhill side—add rock features and viewpoints along some trails, giving the area a distinctly rugged, “wild” feel despite its proximity to metro areas.[1] In autumn, extensive hardwood canopy produces **notable fall foliage**, and the combination of lake, ridges, and colorful forest is repeatedly cited as one of the park’s visual highlights.[3][5]

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations via camping.nj.gov (NJ Outdoors / NJ State Park Service online system). Camping season: April 1 - October 31.

Total Campsites4 campsites

Best CampsitesPublic campground maps and reviews provide very limited site‑specific commentary; campers on The Dyrt mainly distinguish **drive‑in**, **walk‑in**, and **boat‑in** zones rather than naming specific site numbers.[2] Boat‑in sites on or near **Wawayanda Lake** are informally reported as the most scenic because of direct water access and quieter surroundings away from road noise, but detailed, numbered recommendations are not consistently documented in public reviews.[2] Some reviewers suggest looking for **more secluded, walk‑in sites** if you prefer privacy and darker night skies rather than being near the busier loops close to the day‑use area; however they do not identify specific site numbers in a reliable way.[2] Because of this lack of clear, corroborated site‑by‑site feedback, there is **no strong consensus on “best” numbered sites**, and campers typically choose based on access type (drive‑in vs boat‑in) and proximity to the lake or facilities rather than a particular site number.

Need help booking Wawayanda Campground?

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When to Book

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Amenities available

Showers

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Expect vault or pit toilets only.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Cell CoverageThe Dyrt’s connectivity section and camper reports indicate **limited cell service inside the campground**.[2] Reported by The Dyrt: - **Verizon LTE: “Some coverage”** within the park and campground area.[2] - **AT&T: “No coverage”**.[2] - **T‑Mobile: “No coverage”**.[2] Campers note that reception **improves near the kayak hut/boat rental area and near the main entrance/park office**, while many interior campsites have spotty or no signal.[2] Visitors relying on navigation or remote work should download maps offline and not expect consistent data coverage, especially away from the lakefront and entrance.

Trip Planning Tools

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

32 reviews

Top-Rated

Wawayanda Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Review Summaries

Based on 32 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers and day visitors consistently praise **the beauty and tranquility of Wawayanda Lake**—its clear water, sandy beach, and forested shoreline feel surprisingly wild for northern New...

Based on 32 reviews

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